FC Barcelona’s Marc-André Ter Stegen faces LaLiga tribunal over injury dispute, potentially affecting Joan García’s registration

FC Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has undergone back surgery, leading to a complex situation regarding his recovery timeline and the registration of new signing Joan García. The procedure, performed in Bordeaux, was intended to address persistent lumbar issues that have sidelined Ter Stegen during the preseason.

While Ter Stegen anticipates a recovery period of approximately three months, the club estimates a longer absence of four to five months. This discrepancy has significant implications for Barcelona’s financial strategy and squad planning.

According to LaLiga regulations, if a player’s injury is expected to keep them out for more than four months, the club can allocate 80% of the injured player’s salary to register a replacement. Barcelona had hoped to utilize this provision to register Joan García, the 24-year-old goalkeeper acquired from Espanyol for €25 million. However, Ter Stegen’s optimistic recovery estimate complicates this plan, as a shorter absence would not meet the threshold required for the salary allocation.

The situation has led to tensions between Ter Stegen and the club. The goalkeeper’s preemptive announcement of his recovery timeline, prior to the club’s official statement, has been perceived internally as potentially undermining the registration of new signings. Additionally, there are reports of strained relations, including Ter Stegen’s exclusion from recent team events and speculation about the club’s interest in facilitating his departure to alleviate financial constraints.

Barcelona’s management is now awaiting a decision from LaLiga’s Medical Committee, which will assess Ter Stegen’s medical reports to determine the official recovery timeline. The committee’s evaluation will be crucial in deciding whether the club can proceed with registering Joan García under the salary allocation rule. This development adds complexity to Barcelona’s preseason preparations and highlights the challenges the club faces in balancing financial regulations with team dynamics.

As the situation unfolds, both Ter Stegen and Barcelona are navigating a delicate balance between individual recovery expectations and the club’s strategic objectives. The outcome of LaLiga’s assessment will have significant implications for the team’s composition and financial planning in the upcoming season.